Cherokees to Oshkosh registration open

Registration for the mass arrival, in which pilots fly in formation to land at the big show, is now open. Slots will be limited to 60 aircraft. The mass arrivals are scheduled for Saturday, July 18. EAA AirVenture runs July 20 through 26.

Cherokees to Oshkosh began in 2010. Pilots do not need prior formation flying experience, though it is welcomed. Minimum requirements are 500 hours total time and 50 hours in Cherokees.

The group follows numerous safety guidelines. These include mandatory attendance of at least one formation mini-clinic prior to the mass arrival, plus mandatory attendance of a pre-arrival formation clinic and a pre-arrival briefing, both in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Ten mini-clinics will be held in different parts of the continental United States to enable attendees from around the nation to participate.

AOPA Editor Jill W. Tallman flew her Piper Cherokee 140 as part of Cherokees to Oshkosh’s 2018 mass arrival. Impressed by the group’s camaraderie and strict adherence to safety protocols, she said she believes the group’s oft-repeated mantra that a formation arrival is the best way to get into Oshkosh.

For more information on Cherokees to Oshkosh, registration, and other requirements, see the website.

Former director of air operations Dwane Ferguson discusses formation flying and military flying in June 2018 edition of the Preferred Altitude podcast.